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If you adore French toast but crave an extra layer of texture and flavor, this Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession. Imagine thick, tender slices of brioche or challah soaked in a fragrant cinnamon-vanilla egg custard, then enveloped in a crunchy crust of crushed nuts and cornflakes. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy softness with a satisfyingly crisp exterior that will have you smiling from the very first forkful. This is not your ordinary French toast — it’s a delightful twist that elevates a classic morning favorite into something truly memorable and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—every ingredient has a purpose to build layers of flavor and texture that make this dish shine. From the rich bread to the aromatic spices and nutty crunch, these pantry staples come together effortlessly to create something special.
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (preferably brioche or challah): Soft, slightly sweet bread holds the custard well and adds richness.
- 2 eggs: The base of our custard, eggs provide structure and a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the egg mixture for perfect soaking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds comforting spice that complements both nuts and bread.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- 1/4 cup crushed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans): Provides a toasty, crunchy contrast essential to this recipe’s signature texture.
- 1/4 cup cornflakes, crushed: Adds extra crispiness and a delightful light crunch.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying): Key for golden, buttery crust development during cooking.
- Maple syrup, for serving: The perfect natural sweetener to drizzle over warm French toast.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty, delicate finish and extra hint of sweetness.
How to Make Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This fragrant custard mixture will soak into the bread, infusing it with rich flavor and tenderizing each slice just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Nutty Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed nuts and crushed cornflakes. This combination creates the signature crunch that sets this Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe apart. The nuts add warmth and depth, while the cornflakes offer light crispiness.
Step 3: Coat the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are completely soaked but not soggy. Then press each side into the nut and cornflake mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly coated to guarantee that addictive crunch after frying.
Step 4: Fry the French Toast
Heat butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, carefully place the coated bread slices in. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and form a crisp crust that holds all the crunch in place.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your French toast to a plate, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve while warm to enjoy the perfect harmony of soft custard and crunchy coating that makes this Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add extra flavor, try fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries scattered on top, or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted nuts can also highlight that wonderful nutty crunch in every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing this French toast with crispy bacon or savory sausage links creates a fantastic sweet and salty balance. For a lighter option, a side of fresh fruit salad or a smoothie bowl complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the French toast stacked high on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of honey, fruit compotes, or nut butters on the side for customization. You might also try layering slices with mascarpone cheese and drizzling with caramel for a decadent brunch treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Crunchy Nut French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps keep the nutty coating from becoming too soft while maintaining the overall flavor.
Freezing
Freeze extra slices on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. The toast can be frozen for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy this delicious recipe any time you want a special breakfast boost.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the slices into a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Reheating this way helps maintain the crispness of the nut and cornflake crust much better than a microwave, keeping that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their soft texture and slight sweetness, sturdy sandwich bread or even sourdough can work if you prefer a different flavor. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
What nuts work best for the crunchy coating?
Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are all fantastic choices. Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to mix and match according to your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter or oil for frying. The recipe will still turn out deliciously crunchy and flavorful.
Can I prepare the egg mixture and nut coating ahead of time?
You can definitely whisk the egg mixture and prepare the nut and cornflake coating ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, for best texture, dip and fry the bread slices just before serving.
How do I keep the coating from falling off during frying?
Make sure to press the bread firmly into the nut and cornflake mixture so the coating adheres well. Also, avoid flipping the slices too early—wait until the bottom is nicely golden and crispy before flipping gently to the other side.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking a lazy weekend breakfast or impressing loved ones with a brunch feast, it’s bound to bring smiles and second helpings. Give it a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed French toast without that irresistible crunchy nut twist before!
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Crunchy Nut French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crunchy Nut French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, featuring thick-cut brioche or challah bread coated in a crunchy mixture of crushed nuts and cornflakes. The rich egg mixture infused with vanilla and cinnamon gives each slice a perfect balance of flavor and crispiness when pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve warm with maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an irresistible morning treat.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Coating
- 1/4 cup crushed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/4 cup cornflakes, crushed
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined to create a flavorful custard base.
- Prepare the nutty coating: In a separate shallow bowl, mix the crushed nuts and crushed cornflakes thoroughly to make a crunchy coating for the French toast.
- Coat the bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are evenly soaked. Then press each side firmly into the nut and cornflake mixture so that the coating sticks well to the bread.
- Fry the French toast: Heat the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until melted and hot. Place the coated bread slices onto the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove the French toast from the skillet and serve immediately warm with maple syrup drizzled on top and optionally dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Using thick-cut brioche or challah bread adds extra richness and helps maintain the crunch after frying.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding the bread to avoid sticking and to get an even golden crust.
- You can customize the nut mixture according to your preference or nut allergies—sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be good alternatives.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative for frying.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the crunchy texture; French toast tends to soften if left too long.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
